Does Defense Matter in this game? 1st timer here.

[gkhd11a]

Their is some debate on the importance of defense but most agree here that at Catcher, SS 2B and CF you need good defense. ANd the player pool is deep with candidates of varying offensive quality while maintaining defense

[Bunze0]

yes it does. alot to do with type of team your building. if playing in a pure pitcher park you have better sucess if your of have range and throwing arms. and you if atleast your middle if have a good fieling rating. if your going with power teams. i still believe the middle of your fielders be solid to help your obvious weakened pitchers based on sluggers on offense. anyway good luck enjoy yourself and just remember many ways to build winning teams. just experiment and watch how the vets do things and you will pick it up fast enough. also dont be afraid to ask opinions on this board. just remember their opinions though and you have final say. not all people on here will like the same guy.

[PJ Axelsson]

Looks good so far. I don't typically use those starters, but I wouldn't be afraid to try.

Ever type a word and it just doesn't look right, but you can't convince yourself that it is? Afraid is mine tonight. And I won't look it up, so consider this a pre-emptive apology. :wink:


I'm a firm believer in defense. I'd like to add the importance of outfield arms (of which you've got covered), in particular, CF and RF. On the corners, 1B and 3B, I think that low errors are more important than having a 1 or 2.

Good luck! :D

[Moodymets]

Man.... especially for a first time draft, you've got a good looking team - there's more than a few vets who wouldn't mind starting off with this team!

I haven't played in Griffith, but I've enjoyed some success in Candlestick so the paramaters are not far off... here's my 2 cents (these comments are primarilly for $80 mil leagues):
a) I think you'll regret not having a $2 to $4 mil closer in the bullpen. Worrell is a very good value, but do NOT count on the game engine ("HAL"... do a search on the board for HAL and see what comes up ;-)) to put Pina/Osinski in when you want them in there. A much better bet is to to have one or two closers who have general success against both lefties and righties so HAL has less of a chance of sabatoging your strategy :)
b) Defense (esp throwing arm) is not quite as important in LF. Yaz has a mixed reputation, and this is an area that - for the same money - you could get the same offensive production with less defense for less money and have enough cash to upgrade another area. I would apply the same comment to Boyer. I rarely put a "4" in left or 3B, but feel far more comfortable putting a 2 or 3 there with more offensive output.
c) In Griffith, you'll want a better #1 starter. Johnson is a pitcher less commonly used, but a fine one just the same. The fact of the matter is that there are a number of starters he may go up against who are better than him however, and you'll want to get one of THOSE pitchers for your squad. $10+ for a #1 starter is rarely a bad idea, esp in Grif.
d) There are some great position player values in ATGII for under $2 or $3 mil who will make great platoons... see if you can find any you want to try and end up with a surplus of cash to once again spend on an upgrade elsewhere.

Good luck and have a great time - ATG is the best! :D